The High Kirk’s history starts from 1170, when the lands of Stevenston were granted to Stephen Lockhart, whom the town is also named after. At the time, the ancient parish was a vicarage under the monks of Kilwinning Abbey.

In 1670, a new church was erected on the site of the previous one, and taken down again in 1832. Finally, in 1833, the present church came into being, under the ministry of the famous Reverend Dr. David Landsborough. Dr. Landsborough was a renowned biologist, and also founded the Free Church of Scotland in Salt coats.

Credit for the award goes to the Church’s webmaster, Ian Dorey, for having worked tirelessly for many years on end in developing the High Kirk’s website. The Original Christian Web and New Media Awards were the first ever exclusively Christian award ceremony for bloggers and web designers in the UK.

The island was the Stuart of Bute’s (Steward of Bute) family seat and had been held by them since the middle of the 1100’s. This Stuart family is directly descended from King Robert the Bruce by the marriage of his daughter in 1315 to Walter, Stewart of Bute.

Originally built for the Stuarts in 1710; a devastating fire destroyed the central part of the Mount Stuart house in 1877. The 3rd Marquess of Bute took on the ambitious task of rebuilding. Unfortunately, in 1900, he died without completing the project. Major renovations and repairs were undertaken by 6th Marquess and finally, in 1995, opened its doors to the public.

A Victorian Gothic house, this spectacular piece of history enthralls its visitors. The incredible marble, stained glass, and incorporation of the astrological designs wrap guests in the history of the house. Combine these features with the family portraits and you are transported through history.

Set on 300 well-designed and landscaped acres, which includes charming woodlands, the property was created through the vision of the 3rd Earl of Bute. This is the same Earl of Bute that was an advisor on the establishment of Kew Gardens. The Victorian kitchen garden was recreated by the Lord of Bute and includes an octagonal pavilion that is glassed in. In addition, there is a Victorian Pinetum containg conifers from North America, as well as an Arboretum that is a part of the Royal Botanical Gardens and is planted with plants from around the globe.

Finish up the tour with a stroll on the serene and beautiful beach before heading back to the mainland. If you are able, you may want to stay in Rothesay and further explore the island. St Blane’s Chapel and the breathtaking Rothesay Castle are among other places that are worth going to see.

Just five miles down the road from Stevenston is a hotel that will win the hearts of golfers around the world. The Gailes Hotel, built in 1995, is a picturesque hotel and restaurant complex that is within close proximity to a large number of golf courses. Nearby, the North Gailes Golf and Leisure Complex offers a spa, health club, driving range, two 9-hole courses, bar and excellent coffee shop.

Rooms at the Gailes Hotel are spacious and well appointed, with beautiful views. Super king-size beds and carpets that your feet sink into are just a couple of the touches that will make you feel like you are in the lap of luxury. If you have children with you, they offer family rooms with additional beds. The family rooms accommodate four guests.

Located down the coast a few miles south of Stevenston, on the outskirts of Irvine, is the Menzies Irvine. This 4-star hotel has recently undergone extensive renovations and it exudes an atmosphere of elegance without being stuffy. Its 128 guest rooms are large and very nicely furnished, the restaurant serves dishes that are appealing and tasty, the attached junior 9-hole golf course and the sheer number of excellent golf courses in the neighboring towns are all reasons that this hotel draws guests from near and far.

If a Bed and Breakfast is more to your liking, a short distance from Stevenston  is the Ardeer Farm Steading. At the edge of a working farm, this 4-star luxury bed and breakfast has six guest rooms that are luxuriously appointed. From the attractive guest rooms to the power showers to the LCD televisions and free Wi-Fi access, guests are not left wanting. This will be especially true once they incorporate the planned free international calling.

Bed and breakfast guests can start their day with a hearty Scottish breakfast or can nibble on a light Continental offering. Although Ardeer Farm Steading doesn’t serve other meals, there are many good restaurants in the surrounding towns. In Ayrshire, nothing is very far away.

In addition to the bed and breakfast rooms, the Ardeer Farm Steading has two guest cottages that are equipped with kitchen facilities. The cottages are, like the guest rooms, furnished with taste and have been modernized. The cottages are equipped with everything you need on a holiday. The only thing missing is Wi-Fi access and DVDs which they are planning to include.

A scant mile from Stevenston’s town center is the Auchenharvie Golf Course. This nine-hole golf course opened in 1983. It was designed so that it can be played as eighteen holes using different tee off positions on the second time around. A relatively easy course, water features have been well incorporated into it.

For those that just want to practice, there is a driving range that can accommodate eighteen people at a time. Whether you want a fast 9-hole game, a more leisurely 18-hole golf game, or want to hit a few buckets to work on your drive; there will be a course (or two) to meet your needs.

A few miles south of Stevenston, near Castlepark, is Western Gailes Golf Club. Founded in 1897, this world-class golf course was formed to provide a seaside golf course for those inland residents that did not want to play with industrial fog hanging over their heads, as well as providing year round golfing. In its early years, a train station was built to allow members an easy trip to the club. Although the train no longer runs, it is still a feature of the golf course.

As with so many golf courses in Ayrshire, Tom Morris was the first groundskeeper. From the formation of the club, the first 9 holes were ready for use about a year later. World War II and Mother Nature have had a hand in the redevelopment of the course. Tank maneuvers took a toll on several holes so, in order to allow for a harbour access road, there was a redesign of the 3rd, 4th and 5th holes.

With several other golf courses in close proximity, if you are a golfer, you will not be at a loss for something to do. Just grab your clubs and head off to a golf course. Before you go though, checks to see what the rules of the club are. The rules may determine what you wear.

Stevenston, Scotland is home to Kerelaw Castle, built in the 12th century. The castle has a very turbulent history. First held by the Lockhart’s who were given a land grant, it was passed to the Campbell’s of Loudoun and then to the Cunninghame’s of Kilmaurs. In 1488, while in the Cunninghame’s possession, the castle was burned to the ground as a result of a feud with the Earl of Eglinton. As an act of vengeance, the Cunninghames burned Eglinton Castle.

Rebuilt in the late 15th century, the castle became the home of the Abbot of Kilwinning. Purchased by Sir Thomas Boyd in 1609, it was quickly sold back to the Cunninghame family. The mid-1600 saw the castle sold to John Hamilton and became the Hamilton family’s home until Alexander Hamilton built Kerelaw House in 1787. At that point the castle was abandoned.

After Alexander’s death in 1838, the property that houses the Kerelaw Castle and Kerelaw House was sold to Gavin Fullerton. North Ayrshire Council has taken over ownership of the Kerelaw Castle ruins and it is a fairly notable tourist attraction. If you are a hardy soul, you may want to explore the woodland upstream from the castle. The woods, glen, river, ancient footbridge, and view are well worth the exploration.

Little is left of the Kerelaw Castle ruins. Three walls remain in varying states of decline. Also surviving is the Gothic windows in the south wall. Kerlaw House was purchased from the Campbell family in 1969 by a private company and was demolished. All that remains is the driveway that led up to the house.

This castle has an incredible amount of history that you can soak up while you visit this bit of the past.

Photo Credit: Dreamer84

Initially located in Stevenston’s Sandyhills, Ardeer Golf Club was formed in 1880. The 9-hole course was well received and the Club relocated to the Ardeer area in 1905. The new course was set between the town and the sea on land that was owned by ICI (Imperial Chemicals Industries Ltd). Many of the early members were drawn from ICI including a three-time Scottish Amateur champion, Hamilton McInally.

A testament to the course and Ardeer Golf Club is the caliber of some of its members. Jamie Anderson and Willie Fernie, both winners of the British Open, joined the Ardeer Golf Club after their wins.

World War II saw the taking over of three of the holes by ICI for its war duty. Once the war was over, the holes were completely restored through the efforts of the talented head green keeper and club master David Fry. It is a testament to the man’s skills that the course was as challenging after the restoration as before.

In the 1960’s, the membership was devastated to learn that ICI required the land and clubhouse for the construction of a new factory. After many meetings and challenges, it was decided to relocate the Club to part of Lochend. The greens were lifted by the members and re-laid at the Club’s current location.

Due to the continuing improvements by the Ardeer Golf Club, the course has made this course a pleasure to play. From the initial boggy land that allowed for dry weather play, improved drainage has led to year round golfing.

Coal mining was the town’s mainstay for several centuries until the coal pits were mined out toward the end of the 1800’s. During the 1900’s, explosive and chemical production was the town’s lifeblood. The town was devastated when ICI closed plants and reduced its presence in the town. Although the ICI site was taken over and is operated as Nobel Enterprises, the level of production is at a much smaller scale.

Nobel Enterprises manufactures nitrocellulose, which is commonly known as guncotton. In 2007, some 1500 to 1700 tons of nitrocellulose were destroyed in a major fire. Fortunately there were no serious injuries and property damage was minimal.

This downturn has had a sustained effect on the economy. Once an area that boasted three train stations, one closed in 1932 with the second closing in 1966.

Given the history of this town, in addition to Kerelaw Castle, there are some points of interest that you can visit. A unique sundial on Old High Road in Mayville dates back to 1773 although it sits on a pedestal from a later date. The manse on Schoolwell Street was built in 1787 and incorporates parts of the original manse in it. In addition, there was an addition to the building in 1885. The details of this building are fascinating to see. Wandering around the town will take you to the many other buildings and features steeped in history.

One of the highlights of any visit to Stevenston is a stroll on the beach. Stevenston Beach is the location of the last of the fully forming sand dune system in North Ayrshire. The dunes and beach are an ever-changing tableau. Unusual species like Snow Bunting, Babington’s orache, and Isle of Man Cabbage are abundant here.

Ardrossan’s roots have been traced back as far as about 1140, when Ardrossan Castle was built on Cannon Hill. The castle was seized by the English in 1292 and successfully held until 1296. In that year, the English were lured out of castle and slaughtered by William Wallace. Oliver Cromwell had the castle completely destroyed in 1648. The stones were taken to build a fort in Ayr. Although the castle ruins still exist, they are in an extremely dangerous condition.

Due to the Ardrossan’s port, the town grew during the 1700’s and 1800’s. Pig iron and coal were the chief exports and the town transitioned to a shipbuilding center. It remained a shipbuilding center until foreign competition effectively closed the shipyards in the 1950’s.

Ardrossan has the distinction of being one of the last towns in Scotland to be made a Burgh. This designation occurred in 1846 and was removed in 1974 with the formation of the Strathclyde Regional Council. The town became part of North Ayrshire in 1996 and is now being positioned as the gateway to Arran.

The town in the middle of Three Towns, Saltcoats, received its name from the practice of harvesting sea salt from the waters off the coast. With the industry of “salt panning” declined in the 1900’s, the town became a vacation destination. The tourist industry has thrived as people have discovered the gorgeous beaches and the breathtaking view of Arran across the water.

The town was granted Burgh status in 1528 and that status remained until 1975 when the North Ayrshire Council absorbed it.

First mentioned in 1240, the town of Stevenston is the most southerly town of the Three Towns. An industrial center for many years, with the depletion of coal and the reduction of chemical production, the town has focused on tourism.

The stretch of unique dunes and stunning beaches has proven to be a lure for holiday goers. In addition to the beaches, challenging golf courses provide a draw for tourists. The history of the area, the golf and the beaches all combine to provide an irresistible attraction to many looking for a nice holiday destination.